What kinds of card games did pirates play?
The swashbuckling pirates of the Golden Age, spanning from the late 17th to early 18th centuries, are often depicted in popular culture as fearsome marauders of the seas. However, beyond their plundering, these sea-farers also indulged in various pastimes to break the monotony of long voyages. Among these diversions, card games held a special place, offering both entertainment and a competitive challenge. Let’s look at what card games that might have echoed across the decks of pirate ships.
Popular Card Games Among Pirates
1. All Fours: The Simple Joy of Trick-Taking
Originating from 17th-century England, All Fours was a staple in the realm of trick-taking games. Renowned for its simplicity, it was a game where players aimed to win tricks and score points through various achievements within the game. The simplicity of All Fours made it an ideal game for the diverse crew on pirate ships, where not everyone might have been literate or skilled in complex game strategies.
2. Whist: A Game of Strategy and Skill
Whist, a precursor to the modern game of Bridge, gained popularity in the 18th century. This game required a bit more strategy and skill compared to All Fours. It involved a higher level of engagement and mental acuity, providing a perfect avenue for pirates to sharpen their minds. Whist could have been a favorite among the more strategic and calculating members of a pirate crew.
3. Loo: High Stakes on the High Seas
The 17th and 18th centuries also saw the rise of Loo, a trick-taking game known for its gambling elements. Pirates, known for their love of risk and reward, might have been drawn to the high stakes of Loo. The game often led to significant wins or losses, adding an element of excitement and tension that mirrored their adventurous lives.
4. Cribbage: A Sailor’s Favorite
Cribbage, more commonly associated with sailors of the Royal Navy, also found its way into pirate circles. Its portable board and quick gameplay made it an ideal game for life at sea. Cribbage, a blend of card playing, strategy, and arithmetic, was likely appreciated for its intellectual challenge and quick rounds, suitable for the unpredictable life on a pirate ship.
5. Piquet: A Touch of Elegance
Piquet, a French card game dating back to the 16th century, was popular across Europe and could have been played by the more cosmopolitan pirates. A two-player game involving card combinations and trick-taking, Piquet required a higher level of skill and concentration, possibly appealing to the more sophisticated or educated pirates.
Beyond Entertainment: The Role of Card Games in Pirate Life
During the Golden Age of Piracy, pirates would be on board ship from a few weeks to several months and it is said there were more than 5000 pirates at sea. When on the high seas, any one who wasn’t a captain would sleep out in the open, either in a hammock or on the floor. Often pirates had to go without food or medicine so their lives need some distraction and playing cards is always good for distraction!
Card games aboard pirate ships served more than just the purpose of entertainment. These games were a crucial element in keeping the pirates’ minds sharp and focused. The strategic thinking, mental arithmetic, and psychological skills honed through these games were essential for their often complex and risky endeavors at sea.
Furthermore, these games provided a social platform for the crew, helping to strengthen bonds and maintain morale during long and arduous voyages. The communal aspect of card games cannot be understated, as they offered a rare opportunity for relaxation and camaraderie in a life otherwise marked by danger and unpredictability.
It is important to note that the exact names and rules of the card games played by pirates might not be well-documented. The availability of playing cards, along with the literacy or numeracy levels required for certain games, varied among pirate crews. Nevertheless, the games mentioned above, popular in that era, give us a glimpse into the kind of recreational activities that might have been common on pirate ships.
While the life of pirates in the Golden Age of Piracy was undoubtedly filled with peril and adventure, it also included moments of leisure and mental engagement through various card games. These games were not just pastimes but also tools for mental sharpening and social bonding, crucial for survival in the challenging environment of the high seas.
